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7 June 2020

Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.

6.0 |
The FT

6.0 |
The Observer

This evergreen Glasgow outfit have only tweaked their sound rather than rebooting it decisively, though, making their fifth album a restatement of their core art school pop principles
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6.0102050

6.0 |
DIY

Maybe this new set-up just needs time to find their own MO?
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6.0102053

6.0 |
The Guardian

The record climaxes with a duo of stomping disco tracks furnished with pleasingly dour melodies. They hammer home Always Ascending’s technical brilliance, but a visceral emotional connection remains elusive
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6.0102288

6.0 |
No Ripcord

Like their past work, subpar filler holds the album back. It’s worth joining them for the climb, just know that it’s going to be an uneven ascent
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6.0102017

6.0 |
Record Collector

There’s verve, vigour, and more energy from the slightly revised line-up too, but it isn’t groundbreaking
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6.0102022

6.0 |
The Independent

Though sharp and sly, too often here there’s a shortfall of melodic potency, and an over-reliance on structures that are methodical rather than marvellous, torpedoed by their own cleverness
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6.0101979

6.0 |
The Skinny

It's not the best work Franz Ferdinand have ever produced, but it's proof that they should embrace their intelligence and their quirks more and not try to be a standard indie band
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6.0101980

6.0 |
The Arts Desk

Franz Ferdinand are carrying on as if nothing has happened. Always Ascending confirms that, whatever their line-up, no one does Franz Ferdinand like Franz Ferdinand
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6.0 |
Loud And Quiet

6.0 |
The Music

Still delivering the kind of danceable, hook-laden indie rock they're known for
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5.0102046

5.0 |
Spectrum Culture

Franz Ferdinand does enough to remain an intriguing band, expanding upon their polished precision by venturing into a few new directions, but they haven’t managed to make themselves sound vital
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